Kenya ready to host World Athletics Championships, says PS Mwangi

The delegation, led by Antti Pihlakoski, who chairs the Bid Evaluation Panel, held talks with senior Kenyan sports officials as part of an assessment of the country’s readiness to host one of the most prestigious championships in international sport.

Speaking after the meeting, Mwangi said the discussions focused on Kenya’s operational capacity, financial readiness and infrastructural development required to successfully organize the championships. He noted that the engagement also offered Kenya an opportunity to demonstrate its growing capability to host competitions of global standards.

Mwangi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the hosting rights, saying Kenya was determined to bring the World Athletics Championships to Nairobi once the bid process is concluded.

“As the home of champions, Kenya has built a strong reputation in global athletics, and we believe the country has what it takes to host a world-class championship,” he said.

Kenya’s bid comes at a time when the country has significantly expanded investment in sports facilities, hospitality infrastructure and transport systems under the leadership of William Ruto. The government has also intensified efforts to strengthen the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya in a move aimed at reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to clean sport and international best practices.

The country has in recent years enhanced its profile as a major sporting destination by successfully hosting several international competitions. Among them are the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, the Magical Kenya Open, the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 and the upcoming African Nations Championship.

The visiting World Athletics team also included Competition and Events Director Marton Gyulai, Head of Bidding Mark Hurst, Compliance and Risk Officer Niels Lindholm and Nigel Swinscoe.

Kenyan officials present during the talks included ADAK Chair Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu, Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki and senior representatives from Athletics Kenya and the State Department for Sports.

The bid, if successful, would mark a historic moment for Kenya, becoming the first East African nation to host the World Athletics Championships and further cementing Nairobi’s status as a global sporting hub.